The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has a zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment and makes prevention a top priority.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 is a federal law that seeks to eliminate sexual abuse and harassment. This law applies to all federal and state prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, juvenile facilities, and community correctional settings. New standards were published May 2012 and DOC is currently enhancing its effort towards implementation of the standards.

The DOC rules prohibit any form of sexual activity, including sexual harassment.Beyond rules, forced or coerced sexual behavior is a criminal offense and the department will take every action possible to hold perpetrators accountable, including prosecution resulting in additional time in prison.

It is against the law for staff to engage in any type of sexual activity with an inmate. By law, an incarcerated person is unable to legally consent to sexual activity of any kind with a staff member. This type of activity is referred to as Staff Sexual Misconduct, and is punishable up to and including loss of employment, civil suit, or imprisonment. Any reports of such incidents will be investigated thoroughly by State Police, and the employee will be held accountable if found guilty.

Reporting

Inmates who are currently being sexually abused or harassed are encouraged to talk to a staff member. This will allow for the quickest response. Each institution has a Sexual Assault Response Team that can respond and ensure needed services are afforded.

Inmates receive information on how to report sexual abuse and harassment through inmate orientation, posters, handbooks and ongoing communication.

Inmates may report in person, through an inmate communication, through the PREA hotline number or though the grievance system.